Once Upon a University Campus

A Romantic Getaway

Visitors left after showering blessings on the new couple. By early evening it was only family that remained and a special visitor joined them. Om had been too hesitant to invite Gowri to the ceremony, but then she was someone very much in his orbit and a day like this was a good day to introduce her to the family. Om and Gauri were careful though, they stressed that they were 'just friends' multiple times. Jhanvi had warmly smiled and left it at that giving her son the space he needed. Pinky on the other stuck a small conversation with Gauri but her world revolved around her son and daughter-in-law, afterall it was their big day.

Hours after the engagement, gifts were put away, feast was digested, coffee was served and it was time for Annika to change into something more comfortable. Sumo volunteered to help Annika as usual. Gauri too followed the girls.

Sumo undid Annika's hair removing the pins, clips and the tiny flowers that had held the style in place. Annika worked on removing her jewelry. Her ears bounced back to shape the minute the kundan girandoles were removed. Annika carefully placed it on the dressing table. It was followed by a choker and bracelets. The heavier necklace needed Sumo's help and Annika waited for Sumo to finish undoing the hair style.

"Why do we have to do this Sumo." Annika sighed "I wish these ceremonies were simpler."

Sumo maintain a dignified silence.

"But Di, it is so much fun. Come one, make up, pampering, the jewels, the outfits.. I love it all. Best of it all, I love wedding shopping. Let me know once you start I will join you. Anyway, my institute is very close to your campus. I can stop by any time." Gauri gushed.

"Our Campus?" Sumo begrudgingly asked.

"Yeah. On the other side of your campus back gate. I chose this institute not because its MBA was the best in the city but because it was closer to your campus and it would be easier for me to meet Om." Gauri explained.

Sumo's displeasure resulted in Annika's hair pin being pulled harshly. Annika cried out of pain. Sumo got back to her senses, apologized and proceeded much more cautiously.

As Annika waited patiently for Sumo to finish up, she noticed the gaudy, heavy jewels staring back at her. She did not like any of them but out of respect for Shivaay's family especially Pinky, she had worn them without a word. But then she only had to blame herself, she reasoned, if only she had picked a design of her choice when Pinky offered her a choice. She told herself that if she is ever asked to select a design, she would invest some time and do it. She probably will not have the choice at all when it came to wearing or not wearing jewelry, but that she should make the most of her only choice, which was, what to wear.

The designer blouse she wore with her sari was just short of constricting her breath. Again she wore it out of respect because Pinky had commissioned it. More so because Shivaay's family had respected Annika's sentiment when she expressed her desire to wear her mother's old saree. This was family, to let go of certain things, make some space for yourself, to be yourself. She took a deep breath at how naturally she was fitting into this new family.

The Gauri had been talking about weddings all along while Annika was lost in her thoughts even as Sumo continued to remove the hairpins.

Gauri started giggling out of nowhere, "Annika di, next time, remember to cover these things with some make up." She pointed out a tiny purple bruise on the back of Annika's shoulder that was exposed by the wide cut blouse.

"Make up?" Annika asked Sumo to hold a hand held mirror so she could inspect the reflection of her skin in the dressing mirror.

"Must be insect bite Akka. But no worries, it is too small and on the back. I am certain no one would have noticed it nor would it make a difference in photographs." Sumo put away the mirror and got back to removing pins.